In assessing flexion of the elbows of the newborn, the nurse ...

[09madisonrousseau09]

In assessing flexion of the elbows of the newborn, the nurse would flex them by holding for 5 seconds and when extending them. The elbows of a term newborn will form an angle of:
 
  a. 120 degrees with an extended position following the angle
  b. 100 degrees with a semiflexed position
  c. less than 90 degrees with a rapid recoil back to an extended position
  d. less than 90 degrees and rapidly recoil back to a flexed position

Question 2

The nurse is teaching a class for new parents. A new mother asks why her infant can propel himself with his arms instead of using his legs to crawl. Your response is based on your understanding that:
 
  a. Muscular development is cephalocaudalB. Muscular development is proximalC. Muscular development is proximodistal
 D. Both A and C

[amcvicar]

Answer to Question 1

D

Feedback
A Incorrect. The newborn's elbow is by definition less than 120 degrees.
B Incorrect. The newborn's elbow is by definition less than 100 degrees
C Incorrect. Though true the newborn's elbow is less than 90 degrees, they recoil back to a flexed position, not an extended position.
D Correct. In assessing flexion of the elbows of the newborn, the nurse would flex them by holding for 5 seconds and when extending them. The elbows of a term newborn will form an angle of less than 90 degrees and rapidly recoil back to a flexed position.

Answer to Question 2

D
Muscular development of infants is both cephalocaudal (head to toe) and proximodistal (in to out).